The 6th of September is a
memorable day in the history of Pakistan, when Pakistan, its military and people
stood united in 1965 in defense of Pakistan. During the 1965 war every citizen
of the country was solidly united behind the government, although it was a
military one, of Field Marshal Ayub Khan. People strongly feel that it is now
more important to remember the 6th September, 1965, as it was Pakistan’s finest
hour.
Defense Day of Pakistan carries a glorious chapter in our history. The day
reminds us of the determination, selflessness and sacrifices of our armed forces
which they have rendered for the defense of the country. To defeat nefarious
design of the enemy our valiant armed forces exhibited unwavering examples of
faith, unity and discipline against heavy odds.
September 6,1965 the Indian Army crossed the Wagah border at 4 a.m. and moved
towards Lahore. This attack touched off the second Indo-Pakistan war. This war
affected financially both countries but none of them could dominate. Pakistan
and India, both countries fought that war for the issue of Kashmir but this
issue remained unsolved. A lot of people lost their lives from both countries
and a lot of weapons were used.
During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, the PAF was deployed against numerically
superior enemy Air Force six times its size and enjoying the inventory of
superior and faster aircraft; However the PAF rose to meet its enemy with
courage, dash and initiative, achieving air superiority and ultimately taking
the air war in the Indian territory during the crucial days. Pakistani forces
courageously suppressed the Indian initiated attack on Lahore-Sialkot border on
September 6, 1965. The war continued for almost 17 days causing causalities on
both sides. At last on 6th September, this war was ended with the support of UN.
The war ended with a United Nation (UN) mandated ceasefire and the subsequent
issuance of the Tashkent Declaration.
It is a national day that is commemorated countrywide, starting with special
prayers for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives during the war and
also for the sovereignty and prosperity of the nation. An environment of patriot
passion is generated in the whole country on Defense Day. The best way to pay
tribute to the sacrifices of our heroes is to dedicate ourselves by incessantly
working towards building up professionalism, personal skills and character, so
as to come up to the expectations of the nation whenever the opportunity
demands.
Pakistan is facing numerous threats to its security, which call for forging
unity and trust amongst armed forces and the nation. We will have to put in our
hearts and soul to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity. Particularly,
we need to take wise decisions in order to eliminate the menace of terror and
extremism from our soil. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a moderate
state is the best guideline for us towards achieving that goal.